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Post 08 Aug 2022, 13:20 • #1 
Sport
Joined: 07/31/22
Posts: 31
Location: North Alabama
I used to lurk here long ago before I got out of fly fishing. Now I’m back and I’m interested in hearing some equipment opinions.

Within the next 6-8 month I plan on either buying or building a new rod for myself. I am looking to spend less than $500 on either a 5 or 6 weight for a majority of my warmwater fishing. I will mainly be using this rod for medium streamers and poppers fished on a floating line. I will save my 8 weight for the really big stuff. Mostly, I will be wading small rivers and fishing out of my canoe on small lakes for smallmouth and largemouth. There is a small chance I may use this for light salt water. I love fiberglass for smaller streams, but right now I’m not a 100% convinced that fiberglass is the way to go. I like a medium action rod. Currently I’m using a Shakespeare Wonderglass FY-200 7’6” 6 weight that I’m using in that spot and it is a little slower than I like. I know this is a lot to ask out of one rod, but I figured if anyone knew it would be one of y’all.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 13:40 • #2 
Master Guide
Joined: 07/26/21
Posts: 383
Location: North West Georgia
Well, sounds like a good use case for an 8' 6wt. Luckily, there are lots of those around! Perhaps a fenwick FF806? Im building out my first Steffen blank now and it's an 8' 5/6. While I certainly plan to use the Steffen in the way you are describing, a Steffen 6/7 might be a better choice for dedicated warm water use. Im pretty sure you can get a Steffen 6/7 in 8' 8'3", or 8'6". They are only advertised as 3 section rods but it seems like Shane will ferrule them into as many sections as you want for a small up charge.

8' 6wt rods are a popular configuration in vintage glass and some of them have quite a bit of muscle.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 17:40 • #3 
Guide
Joined: 07/22/20
Posts: 128
Location: US-CA
8' 6wt = good advice. If it will be your one and only warm water rod, I would get a 4-piece (like the Fenwick Voyageur series).


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 18:14 • #4 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/06/17
Posts: 2498
Location: South of Joplin
My choice for warm water is most often 7'6" vintage rod, 7wt. floating line, second choice would be 8' vintage rod, 8wt. floating line. For salt using 'glass I' used to use 9' 9wt rod using a #8 intermediate line. #4&5&6wt lines can work but I think they require more effort on my part, My thoughts are any rod that works for 3# trout is perfect for 3# bass, and any rod that is good for pan sized trout is good for pan sized sunfish.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 18:44 • #5 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/12/18
Posts: 457
My two favorites would be the vintage Fenwick FF806 or FF807, depending on whether you'd prefer a 6wt or might consider a 7wt.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 18:44 • #6 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
I would look at the McFarland GTX 6wt. The GTX 7wt has become my go to warmwater rod for bigger streamers on sinking lines. The GTX taper is well suited for fishing poppers and streamers. Fast action for glass, but it retains that glassy feel that we all like. Tons of power in the butt allows it to handle big fish and big flies. McFarland sells blanks, so you could stay under your $500 price point if you build it yourself.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 19:33 • #7 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
The best overall rod for warmwater for me is System 5, but my creeks are probably different from yours.

I never though of FY-200 as a slow rod, seems crisp, easy to load, and shoots well for me.

I'll agree with those sending you to 8' rods for wider rivers, my pocket rocket is a Phillipson E80 (true 6-wt).


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 19:57 • #8 
Master Guide
Joined: 11/04/15
Posts: 631
Location: US-FL
An Orvis Superfine Glass 6 wt might work.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 20:50 • #9 
Sport
Joined: 07/31/22
Posts: 31
Location: North Alabama
bulldog1935 wrote:
The best overall rod for warmwater for me is System 5, but my creeks are probably different from yours.

I never though of FY-200 as a slow rod, seems crisp, easy to load, and shoots well for me.

I'll agree with those sending you to 8' rods for wider rivers, my pocket rocket is a Phillipson E80 (true 6-wt).


What line are you using on your FY-200? I’ve been using a modern 6wt that’s the same grain weight as a 7.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 21:40 • #10 
Guide
Joined: 07/07/19
Posts: 221
Location: US-WI
Fenwick FF806-2. Great do it all rod for bass (steamers and small poppers) from a canoe/kayak. And its plastic triangular tube straps up securely under the canoe’s gunwale while portaging.


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Post 08 Aug 2022, 22:04 • #11 
Master Guide
Joined: 03/20/07
Posts: 849
Location: US-TX
With that budget, if I were spending your $, I’d go for the 8’ 5/6wt Steffen.
That rod is tough to beat.

Maybe see if you can get your hands on a Steffen and a Fenwick and try before you buy.

If not, then buy them both, keep your favorite, and (assuming you buy it at a reasonable price) sell the other one to a member here on the forum for cost.

You’ll be out the cost of shipping, but you’ll have confidence and sleep well knowing that you have a fantastic rod.


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Post 09 Aug 2022, 06:03 • #12 
Sport
Joined: 02/10/17
Posts: 40
Location: US-TX
I use the Orvis Superfine Glass---8ft 5wt


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Post 09 Aug 2022, 06:49 • #13 
Guide
Joined: 02/27/12
Posts: 233
Location: US-AR
I primarily fish a Chris Barclay Synthesis 8' 6wt for the very fishing you describe, but it may be out of your budget. I would definitly check out the Orvis Superfine 8' 5wt and the Fenwick FF806-2. The 8' 6wt is a great rod and probably the most versatile out there. Good luck on your search.


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Post 09 Aug 2022, 14:28 • #14 
Sport
Joined: 10/06/07
Posts: 39
Location: US-DE
Another vote for the Fenwick FF806 or FF807.If you want to throw larger poppers and/or use in the salt,get the 807.


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Post 09 Aug 2022, 14:57 • #15 
Master Guide
Joined: 07/21/21
Posts: 447
Location: Florida
Also take a look at the FF80! Another superb rod is the Fenglass 796. I personally prefer those two out of a boat but if I’m on the shore or wading I love the 856 or 856 Voyager.


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Post 09 Aug 2022, 16:41 • #16 
Sport
Joined: 07/31/22
Posts: 31
Location: North Alabama
It looks like everyone loves their Fenwicks. How do they compare to the Wonderglass I have now? Also, if I end up building a rod, I would be going with a new blank. I know someone has already mentioned Steffen and McFarland, what about the Epic 686 or a ********* or something else that hasn’t been mentioned? I love the look of Barclay’s rods but they are a little out of my price range.


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Post 09 Aug 2022, 16:56 • #17 
Guide
Joined: 07/07/19
Posts: 221
Location: US-WI
If you are going to build it yourself, I second/third the nomination for a Steffen 8’ 5/6 blank.


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Post 09 Aug 2022, 20:58 • #18 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
The Epic 686 would be my second choice after the McFarland GTX. They’re both fast for glass, but they’re completely different tapers. The Epic has more power in the mid and tip sections than the GTX. The GTX is lighter in hand than the Epic, which is nice when you’re making lots of casts with big flies.

The ********* 8’9” Western glass has a pleasant medium/fast action and would be good for warmwater, but I don’t think Dusty (owner of ********* rod company) sells the 8’9” blanks any more.

I also like the Steffen 5/6, but it’s more of a finesse/trout taper for me - better for delicate presentations compared to the McFarland and Epic rods. The Steffen taper is very smooth, which is why there are so many Steffen fans around here.


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Post 10 Aug 2022, 08:33 • #19 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/21/06
Posts: 3081
Location: Orygun
"warm water" encompasses quite a large range of quarry. It sounds like you're after mostly sunfish and smaller bass? In which case the 5/6 wt recs are right on point. If you're after large bass of pike is musky, then an 8-10wt might be in the cards. Something like a Steffen 7/8 up to an NFC 8 or 10 wt Iconoglass or Epic Bandit.


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Post 10 Aug 2022, 09:38 • #20 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
Matt wrote:
bulldog1935 wrote:
The best overall rod for warmwater for me is System 5, but my creeks are probably different from yours.

I never though of FY-200 as a slow rod, seems crisp, easy to load, and shoots well for me.

I'll agree with those sending you to 8' rods for wider rivers, my pocket rocket is a Phillipson E80 (true 6-wt).


What line are you using on your FY-200? I’ve been using a modern 6wt that’s the same grain weight as a 7.


Pretty sure you'll find any Fenwick to be slower than FY-200, which is S-glass, staggered ferrule.

I'm normally shooting a T-130 with that rod, where it excels. I would go first to the E-80 for a 6-wt floating line, or a 7' Phillipson in tight spaces.

You'd be heading in the right direction with Steffen, also S-glass..


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Post 10 Aug 2022, 11:24 • #21 
Master Guide
Joined: 05/20/12
Posts: 980
Location: Eugene, OR
The Browning Silaflex 322980 would treat you well, too, if you could locate one. S-glass, casts a 6 or 7 with authority.


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Post 10 Aug 2022, 12:49 • #22 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
Almost any 8ft Fewick would be good. I can't tell you how it would be different from your FY-200, but to me, they are the standard by which vintage 8' 6wt's are measured. They are not necessarily the best for every situation (or person) but they are amazingly versatile.

I am a bit concerned that you say the Wonderrod is slow. I don't know that model, but my general feeling is they are fairly fast (depending on the taper), and rated right on line.

For modern glass, Steffen 5/6 and GTX 866 are what I would go with. The GTX 866 is my current go to rod, replacing my vintage fenwicks. It is crisp, light and a 4pc.

Epic rods are nice, but they end up being a bit expensive. However if they go on sale, or their kits go on sale, I would consider one. However to me, the epic 8'6" 6wt is a bit overbuilt and is more a 6.5wt.

Budget for your new build and you won't go wrong with any of these blanks, Also, just keep your eye out for vintage 8' rods. They are relatively inexpensive and fun to play with. The advantage of fishing the vintage rod is that if something does happen to it, you aren't out a ton of money. I haven't found a fish that cares what rod I'm fishing.


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Post 10 Aug 2022, 18:41 • #23 
Guide
Joined: 04/18/20
Posts: 169
Location: Far Western 'burbs of Chicago
A couple that I think are great generalists...that will do well with a heavy 6 or a true 7 weight line

Fenwick FF756
Browning Silaflex 322975


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Post 10 Aug 2022, 19:42 • #24 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 05/19/14
Posts: 3925
Location: USA - Illinois
I’ll second the FF756, not too long, not too short. Fast with a 5, great with a 6 or 7 depending on your style and bugs you are throwing.
Stick a Medalist 1494 1/2 on it and enjoy.


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Post 11 Aug 2022, 12:43 • #25 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/27/16
Posts: 2327
Location: US-IL
Was going thru my stuff and put this combo together.Both are NOS.I had another of these rods that I taught my self to flyfish.Had it out in the yard this morning.Cast a 5wt line beautifully even in a stiff breeze




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